Reading With the People of God #13 Nicene CreedSample

Focus of the month: The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father [and the Son],
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Final Chances

Have you ever given up an opportunity only to find that it was your last chance? In our family, we make it a practice to end phone calls and visits with a loving comment or gesture. This is not because we expect something bad to happen, but to be encouraging and try to live a life without regret.

Despite a clear history and multiple warnings, Israel’s leaders seemed to think that disobeying God was optional and that evil had no consequences. In our reading today, we will be faced with the consequences of God’s justice and judgment, and the importance of remaining faithful, the final chance. While this can be hard to embrace, God does stop giving chances, not out of cruelty, but because we no longer respond to all that He has offered before.

Although most of the crowd who followed Jesus did not understand who he truly was, the two blind men outside Jericho confirmed their realization by declaring that Jesus was the “Son of David” or Messiah. They seized the opportunity to demonstrate belief. The question Jesus responds with confirms their correct understanding. He wants to know what they desire most from Him as Messiah, something beyond what was already provided. The men were in a place known for its medicinal properties. His question dealt not only with the physical but the spiritual as well.

At other times, Jesus healed humbly, asking for no recognition. This time was out in the open as evidence of their faith, and His power as the chosen Messiah. Unbeknownst to the crowd, this would be Jesus' last journey from Jericho to Jerusalem. It was the final chance for these men, and Jesus showed His compassion for them.

What is something that you want from the Messiah? Like the blind men, have you been praying for spiritual healing?

Prayer:

Lord, today, may we embody the faith and testimony of the blind men outside Jericho. Help us not to dismiss the opportunity to know You as Israel did. Cause us to see You for who You are and persevere in our faith to boldly share our testimony of Your compassion and forgiveness.

* Primer contributed by Gaylyn Mott, Teacher, Musician, Yarn Artist, Member of Cornerstone Community Church